If you’ve ever been into a Target store, then you’re probably no stranger to Target’s classic uniform of a red shirt and khaki pants. But is there more to this colorful dress code than meets the eye?
As of June 2022, Target’s dress code requires all employees to wear red shirts to work. But unlike in the past, Target now allows employees to wear either khakis or blue jeans.
That’s right! In 2019, Target ran their #jeansforever challenge during which employees rallied around the goal of increasing in-store sales in order to earn the reward of getting to wear jeans to work. And it was a success!
In January 2019, Target announced that they had witnessed a 5.7% same-store sales increase for the preceding two months. Then, just one month later, the company officially announced that they would be expanding their dress code to allow employees to wear blue jeans to work any day of the week.
Now, when it comes to the details of Target’s dress code, there isn’t much info out there. Target itself doesn’t have an official dress code document, and policies can vary from store to store.
One Reddit user shared that during her Target employee orientation in 2020, she was told that khaki or dark denim were the only two acceptable materials for pants. But in a training video shown to her and the other new hires, she learned that “any solid color pant” would be accepted.
So, this leaves a pretty big gray area. But generally, now that Target has expanded their pants policy away from just khakis, it’s probably safe to assume that if you’re wearing tan, blue, or black solid-color pants, you will likely be in the clear.
Other Target locations allow dresses and skirts, as long as leggings are worn underneath.
Here are some basic guidelines for choosing an outfit to wear to work at Target:
- Shirts
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- Target employees must always wear a red shirt to work
- The shirt does not have to be solidly red, but it should be at least 50% red and should not feature an excessive amount of writing or non-Target logos
- Some Target stores allow employees to wear red flannel while others do not
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- Pants
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- Employees are permitted to wear either khaki pants or dark denim pants
- While blue jeans are the officially sanctioned denim variety allowed at Target, many Target employees have reported having no problem wearing black denim to work
- Pants should not be ripped, stained, or have any holes
- Pants are generally expected to go past the knee, but some stores might allow jean or khaki shorts during summer months
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- Shoes
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- Target employees are expected to wear closed-toe shoes at all times while working
- Open-toe shoes such as sandals and flip-flops are not allowed
- Other breathable shoes such as Crocs are also not permitted while working at Target
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- Hats
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- Target’s dress code does not state anything specific about hats
- While some Target stores allow employees to wear hats such as beanies and baseball caps, others do not (defer to your specific Target location)
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- Skirts and dresses
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- Some Target stores may allow employees to wear skirts or dresses to work, as long as they meet the other expectations of the dress code and do not interfere with the employee’s ability to work
- Skirts should be khaki or dark denim and should be worn with dark, solid-color leggings underneath
- Dresses should be at least 50% red
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- Hair
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- Target does not have a specific policy regarding hair
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- Tattoos and piercings
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- Target does not have a specific policy regarding tattoos or piercings
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- Hoodies
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- Target employees are allowed to wear hoodies to work as long as they are solid red with no additional patterns or non-Target logos
Contents
How Strict Is The Target Dress Code?
Target’s dress code is quite lenient as far as corporate dress codes go. Aside from needing to wear a red shirt, solid color pants, and closed-toe shoes, there aren’t many other strict rules.
The dress code policy and enforcement also varies a lot from store to store, so some stores are known for being much more lenient when it comes to dress code expectations than others.
To find out how strict the dress code is at your Target store, try speaking to a manager.
What Is The Dress Code For Target Orientation?
When interviewing for a job at Target, there is no need to adhere to a specific dress code. However, you should make sure to dress professionally, wearing clean clothes that do not have any holes, rips, or excessive logos or slogans.
Once you’ve been hired and are attending your orientation, it’s a good idea to arrive wearing a red shirt and either khaki pants or dark jeans.
Does Target Have A Dress Code For Customers?
Thankfully, Target does not impose a dress code on its customers.
Like most retail locations, Target may ask customers to leave if they are not wearing shoes or a shirt. However, there are no federal laws restricting individuals from entering businesses without a shirt or shoes. But retailers reserve the right to impose this rule if they wish, which many stores take advantage of while others do not.
FAQs
Does Target give you a uniform?
No. Target does not provide uniforms for their employees. Employees are allowed to wear their own clothes to work, as long as they adhere to the dress code.
Can Target employees wear nail polish?
Yes. The Target dress code does not restrict employees from wearing nail polish or acrylic nails.
Can Target employees wear earrings at work?
Yes, as long as they are not excessively dangly or interfere with the employee’s ability to perform their job.
Do Target employees have to tuck in their shirts?
No. If a shirt is excessively long or baggy, it’s possible that an employee might be asked to tuck it in. But there is no official rule stating that Target employees must tuck in their shirts.
Final Thoughts
Target may not have the most lenient dress code in the world, but within their red-themed parameters, they actually make it pretty easy for employees to feel like individuals. Beyond wearing a red shirt, closed-toe shoes, and solid-color khaki or denim pants, Target employees can customize their work attire quite a bit within reason. Dresses, skirts, and shorts are permissible depending on store location, and some stores even allow employees to wear hats.
